Three men died after being beaten by a mob on suspicion of cattle theft in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur early today (10 May), while an angry crowd also set fire to a pickup van allegedly used by the group.
The incident took place in the Baghchala Bazar area under Phulbaria union.
Confirming the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) of Gazipur District Police Ashfaq Uz Zaman said the identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.
Police said the men were believed to be around 40 years old.
According to police and local sources, incidents of cattle theft had recently increased in the area, prompting villagers to remain alert at night.
Around 4am, a group of 10 to 12 people parked a blue pickup van at the house of Abu Bakkar Siddique to allegedly steal cattle.
Sensing the presence of the group, the homeowner shouted for help, prompting locals to gather at the scene. Several members of the group managed to flee, but three were caught by residents.
Police said sharp weapons and lock-cutting tools were recovered from the suspects. The three men were severely beaten by the crowd before police arrived and rescued them.
They were taken to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where one was declared dead on arrival. The other two later died while undergoing treatment.
Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said the bodies have been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
SP Ashfaq said two of the injured men had initially provided false identities. Police have sought assistance from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to identify the deceased using technology.
He added that the situation in the area is now normal and preparations are underway to file separate cases over the attempted cattle theft and the mob beating.
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